Spring training continues for the Drumheller Senior Titans and they are looking strong on the field.

The team just returned after a weekend Jamboree in Stettler. They played four Jamboree style scrimmages versus Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Stettler and Lacombe, and won three of them.

Coach Ken Fournier said he saw many bright spots. The defense looks fast and the offense skilled, able to score on the pass and on the run.

“We have a great group of young players coming up. Many of them might find themselves starting in the fall,” said Fournier.

He adds they have better numbers than normal in the spring with about 28 signed up. Optimally he would like to dress about 35 players.

The tournament was a good chance for the Titans to gauge their progress versus like-tiered competition, as these are teams they will likely play against in the coming season. 

This weekend however, they have some tougher competition on the field.

The action continues for the senior Titans who have another Jamboree this weekend in Okotoks. This time they will face tier three Holy Trinity Academy from Okotoks, Austin O’Brien High School from Edmonton and Foothills Composite from Okotoks. These teams are from bigger schools and play at a higher tier.

 “This week we cannot make mistakes, we have to execute at a higher level,” said coach Fournier. 

The U12 Comets are finding success leading up to a tournament in Stettler this weekend, as they won 12-6 against one of the host teams at Newcastle diamonds on Wednesday night.

The Comets were carried by a strong pitching performance and some good defensive plays, thanks to pop up drills in practice, said coach Kelsey Calon. 

“This season we’ve seen them catch three balls in the outfield, including one last night, which is way more than they’ve done before. It’s one of the tougher skills – you have to track it and catch it and remember to squeeze it. On the weekend there were a couple hits that were caught and it’s truly an exciting thing.”

The Comets will travel to a tourney in Stettler this weekend, along with most other girls softball teams in Drumheller. The Comets won the same tournament last year.

“Your expectations are higher but you have to temper them because it’s not the same team as last year… We have some first year players that haven’t played, but they’re catching on really well – you can’t tell it’s their first time playing,” said Calon.

She says the Drumheller teams struggle to hit their stride because so few other teams in the greater area are willing to make the time commitment to travel here. There are only six teams in their league – two from Stettler, Delburne, Trochu, and two from Drumheller. They often play only one game a week.

“We don’t play as many games and get as much experience as we’d like. I think that’s sort of key in developing a hitting rhythm, but hopefully we can get there.”